I woke up on top of the world at Mount Hua’s West Peak and started the day with one of the scariest (and most underrated) hikes in China: the Chess Pavilion climb. Forget the famous plank walk — this vertical cliffside trail had no safety rails and barely any room to breathe. It felt like a climb straight into the clouds.
After surviving the Chess Pavilion, I made my way to the North Peak and hiked down to the cableway, exhausted but hyped. From there, I took the train back to Xi’an, where I ended the night at the stunning Datang Everbright City (a.k.a. the Great Tang Mall).
The lights, the energy, the insane night-time vibe — and yes, the LED rain showers — made it feel like I stepped into a futuristic dream. This might be one of the wildest travel days I’ve ever had!
Conquer your fears on a breathtaking climb up Mount Hua's Chess Pavilion, a thrilling alternative to the famous plank walk. This vertical ascent, with its lack of safety rails, offers an unforgettable adventure. The journey continues to the North Peak before descending to the cableway. The day concludes in the vibrant, futuristic atmosphere of Xi'an's Datang Everbright City, a dazzling spectacle of lights and energy.
I woke up on top of the world at Mount Hua’s West Peak and started the day with one of the scariest (and most underrated) hikes in China: the Chess Pavilion climb. Forget the famous plank walk — this vertical cliffside trail had no safety rails and barely any room to breathe. It felt like a climb...
Attractions in this video: Chess Pavilion, Mount Hua, Datang Everbright City
